Near National Mall | Wild Camping

October 23rd, 2022 by kimverplancke

Absolutely perfect and surprisingly quiet! Here is your DC plan: park here between 10pm and 7am, then move to the East Potomac Park across the bridge (no parking between 1 and 6am) from where you walk or bike to the sights. On Sunday parking at this spot is free so if you slept here Saturday, leave it and go sightseeing! UPDATE: Unfortunately our RV got broken into in a span of 2hrs on Sunday afternoon... picked the lock of the front door, nothing we could do... so keep tour wits about it! could be just bad luck

June 20th, 2022 by homlr.86

we parked just a little further up the street, closer to the Spy Museum. spent most of the day running around DC & our class B sprinter was fine here. we spent around $20 for parking on a Monday, although the only annoying thing was- the meter had to be renewed every 2 hours on the app on our phone. otherwise the area worked great!

May 19th, 2022 by cecilia.murazzo

This is a prime spot in DC. We have been feeding the meter during the day every two hours as needed when leaving the van. You can add time from the app as well. When we are with the vehicle, we just keep eyes out for parking authority and keep the meter expired. Honestly, I’m not sure if this area is currently being patrolled at all at the moment. We move the van to the opposite side of the street for the night after 6:30PM when the tour bus parking ends.
Walking distance to the national mall and the museums. A lot of folks around this area during the day- the previous comment about theft made me nervous initially but I truly feel like this is one of the most secure places to park in the area. Just cover your windows and hide your valuables as you should parking in any city.

January 11th, 2022 by unthinkablecreation

Quiet with other car parked over night. Great overnight spot.

January 7th, 2022 by eliedevalence

We first parked in the part above the highway, the busiest of the plaza. Had a knock on the door by a random guy which looked a bit suspicious at 9pm, I think he just wanted to check if someone were in the van and may be try to break into it ... We then moved near the the entrance of the plaza. Much quieter. Spent a quiet night here and left the van for a few hours the next day.

December 25th, 2021 by KittyKittyBangBang

We spent our Christmas in the capital and, with Xmas in a Saturdsy, had a whole weekend of free parking. Walking distance to all of the sights and a really safe place to knave the rig unattended while you tour around. Also, we left a little late on Monday so I went to feed the meter but a local told me not to worry, they won't ticket you as long as you're not leaving your vehicle unattended. :)

November 21st, 2021 by instagram.com/wanderwildwithwonder

We arrived here this morning and parked for the day no worries. We will be staying overnight also, but a Mercedes sprinter further down the street from us was broken into during the day today. They popped out the small window at the front of the passenger door and then opened the van from there and stole their computer and some other personal belongings. We closed up all our blinds while out so not sure if that helped or if we were just lucky. Just leaving this here in case it helps someone. It is a free space to park though with lots of space. Hide your valuables though.

October 31st, 2021 by thomas0judy

Such a perfect location! We arrived early evening on Saturday, paid for parking until 10 pm and then it’s free until Monday morning at 7. Right next to the National Mall. We walked to all the monuments and museums. No problems or restrictions.

September 27th, 2021 by sweetjo725

Terrific free city spot for camping with my van! An RV or camper would work too. I was in an SUV, parked up Saturday night. Pulled out Monday morning. Restrooms at fDR memorial are clean, and very quiet in the morning & late night. All good here! Just came back for a second night. Mornings so quiet I’ll set an alarm for 8. No way ticketing happens before that…

October 31st, 2020 by dianamgrote

Also spent a peaceful evening on L'enfant Plaza, arrived 10pm and left 7am, no problem.

If you need a place to wait for 10pm in the case you arrive early, the East Potomac Park is perfect.

April 26th, 2020 by lamponroad

A street very close to national mall area. Free parking on sundays. We arrived 11:00am on the street and overnight until 7:00 am. After that you have to pay.
Very Nice spot to overnight on Sunday’s or if you arrived after 10pm.
If you have bike or rent one there are a lot things to do around.

November 17th, 2019 by missdryne

Nice spot right on l’Enfant Plaza street. Free for every night after 10pm and all day on sunday. Very quiet at night and also in the morning. Walking distance to all the main attractions.